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Description

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• This is the fourth reanimation in the Bible. Actually, no single person is raised from the dead. Rather, it’s a mass reanimation.
• There are two discussion into which we will not enter today:
  • There is some disagreement among conservative Christians about whether we are required to interpret the phenomenon as an historical event. In today’s podcast we will not join that discussion. (My friend and NT scholar Mike Licona has addressed this passage, for those who want more.)
  • And, although it might be interesting to explore what life for the returnees was like, the true import of this passage lies in the theological and Christological areas. So be ready to learn about God, and to grow in our appreciation of Christ.
• Powerfully meaningful events attend the death of Christ, 3 in particular: the rending of the veil; the splitting of the earth; and the opening of tombs and reanimation of OT saints.
• Jesus’ death affects even the realm of the dead.
• The blood of Christ saves not only us who live under the new covenant, but also those who followed the Lord under the old covenant.
  • Keep in mind that Matthew’s gospel is written for those from a Jewish background.
  • The mass reanimation would have meant little to those from a Gentile background.
• Holy persons. Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14).
• The impact on those who were watching was tremendous.
• This event signals that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews, even those who have died—and who one day will be raised to life (Dan 12:1-2).
• Jesus’ death makes new creation possible:
  • New creation is changed, holy, pure, reverent, transformed lives.
  • And the re-creation of the entire cosmos. 2 Cor 5:17 applies to both levels (personal and cosmic).

For your consideration

• In Matthew's gospel, the death of Christ was literally an earth-shattering event.
• Notice all the separations: the separation of Jesus' spirit from his body; the rending of the temple veil; the splitting of the earth; and even the division of faithful deceased Jews from those (seemingly the majority) who were not reanimated.
• There’s no need to worry about those who died before the gospel message was preached. God will take care of them. The scope of the impact of the crucifixion and resurrection is enormous, touching every segment of humanity, in all generations.
• Thought question: If I had lived and died before the cross, would I have been included among those holy people who came back from the dead?
• John the Revelator speaks of Christians who have a reputation for being alive, but who are in fact dead. Jesus warned: “... I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God... If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you" (Rev 3:1b-3a).
• If we happen to fall into that lamentable category, let’s put our trust in Jesus’ renovating and revitalizing power!